17 Best Neck Cream Formulas for Hydrating and Smoothing Fine Lines

The virtues of extending a face cream to the neck and décolletage are widely known, but how about adding a the best neck cream to your skin regime? These dedicated moisturizers can smooth, firm, and lift the delicate skin on the neck, making signs of aging—and endless phone scrolling—far less prominent with consistent use. Formulated specifically for the skin on the neck, these creams deserve a top spot in any routine mindful of keeping skin radiant and wrinkle-free. Ahead, find the 15 best neck creams for dry skin, sensitive skin, and more, according to dermatologists and Vogue editors.

Our top picks

• Best Anti-Aging: SkinCeuticals TriPeptide R Neck Repair Cream, $136
• Best for Dry Skin: Alastin Restorative Neck Complex with TriHex Technology, $145
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Nécessaire The Neck Serum, $65
• Best Drugstore Pick: RoC Multi Correxion Chest, Neck & Face Cream, $25
• Best With SPF: Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck & Chest Broad Spectrum SPF 25, $95
• Dermatologists’ Pick: SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream, $135
• Best Splurge: Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Neck & Décolleté Cream, $225

In this article:

• What is a neck cream?
• What causes neck wrinkles?
• Why does the skin around the neck and décolletage age more rapidly?
• What to Look for in a Neck Cream
• The best way to apply neck cream
• Meet the experts

Best Anti-Aging: SkinCeuticals TriPeptide R Neck Repair Cream

• Why we love it: Packed with pure retinol, the anti-aging cream has been clinically proven to restore firmness and elasticity to the skin of the neck over time. Dr. Mona Foad, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati, cosigns its efficacy. “This cream is packed with retinol to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, tripeptides to boost collagen, and a glaucine complex to firm up the skin. It’s great for the neck—tackling sagging, crepiness, and wrinkles,” she says. “Plus, it has hydrating ingredients to moisturize and improve skin texture.” Clinically tested in a 16-week study, the fast-absorbing cream has stats to back up its benefits. “This neck cream touts 27% average improvement in neck skin crepiness, as well as 16% average improvement in the appearance of horizontal neck lines,” Foad cites.
• Ingredients: Pure retinol, tripeptide concentrate, glaucine complex
• Who it’s for: The cream is ideal for aging skin, and has been proven to combat dryness.
• Size: 1.7 fl oz

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Best for Fine Lines & Wrinkles: Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced

• Why we love it: Harnessing peptides and smart antioxidant technology, this firming cream has a smoothing effect on fine lines and wrinkles—and offers other skincare benefits. “This innovative formula features diglucosyl gallic acid to brighten the skin and enhance tone, peptides to boost collagen and improve firmness, and red microalgae extract for lifting and tightening,” says Dr. Alexandra Bowles, a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati. Plus, “Lingonberry Extract provides potent antioxidant protection against environmental damage.”
• Ingredients: Lingonberry extract, everlasting flower, red microalgae extract, eight peptides
• Who it’s for: Ideal for aging skin, the cream is also well-suited to dry and sensitive skin types.
• Size: 1.7 oz

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Best SPF: Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck & Chest Broad Spectrum SPF 25

• Why we love it: Perricone MD’s lightweight salve offers heavy-duty benefits for the neck and décolletage. “Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck and Chest Broad Spectrum SPF 25 is an elite all-in-one neck treatment that dramatically transforms the delicate neck and chest area from textured, fragile-looking, and uneven-toned to rejuvenated, taut, and even-toned,” says Rosalba Martone, the director of education at Perricone MD. “The cherry on top? Not only does it correct skin concerns, it protects with mineral-based broad-spectrum SPF 25 to ensure no further damage occurs to this area of the body that is known to show signs of aging before any other area.”
• Ingredients: Vitamin C
• Who it’s for: Those seeking a two-in-one solution for suncare and smooth, lifted skin
• Size: 1 fl oz

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Best for Tech Neck: StriVectin Tighten & Lift Advanced Neck Cream Plus

• Why we love it: This high-tech cream minimizes the appearance of horizontal lines and creases in the neck within weeks. “It uses advanced tightening technology and proprietary peptides to tighten, lift, and firm the skin while smoothing out wrinkles and improving uneven tone,” explains Dermstore’s resident esthetician Lindsay Holdorf.
• Ingredients: Alpha 3 peptides, spilanthol, bearberry leaf extract
• Who it’s for: Anyone prone to scrolling Instagram or texting on endless group chats could benefit from the crease-smoothing benefits.
• Size: 1 fl oz

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Best Drugstore Pick: RoC Multi Correxion Chest, Neck & Face Cream

• Why we love it: RoC’s multipurpose cream is an all-in-one, wrinkle-smoothing salve for the chest, neck, and face—all at a drugstore price. “This multi-tasking cream targets the chest, neck, and face, addressing anti-aging concerns and simplifying your routine,” Foad says. “It tackles discoloration, sagging, dryness, dull skin, and wrinkles. Vitamin E and glycerin hydrate and nourish the skin, while SPF 30 protects against sun damage and premature aging.”
• Ingredients: Vitamin C, tocopheryl acetate, hexyl-R complex
• Who it’s for: Clinically proven to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles in four weeks, the cream will appeal to those looking for fast results.
• Size: 1.7 oz

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Best for Firming: NeoStrata Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream

• Why we love it: This active cream uses amino acids and the patented ingredient Neocitrate to tighten the skin, trigger collagen production, and give the neck a noticeably firmer appearance. “This is a great option for those patients looking for firming and improvement in neck complexion,” Bowles notes. “It is packed with potent ingredients like neo glucosamine to reduce uneven pigmentation and fine lines, and pro-amino acids to support collagen production. It targets sagging, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, firming and lifting the neck area while improving texture and clarity.”
• Ingredients: Amino acids, antioxidants, dimethicone, herbal extracts, shea butter, vitamin E
• Who it’s for: Beneficial on mature skin, the cream also targets hyperpigmentation and damage from free radicals.
• Size: 2.8 oz

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Best for Acne: iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex

• Why we love it: The complex doesn’t stop at sculpting, tightening, and exfoliating the skin. Thanks to its mix of oil-taming acids, it also helps keep blemishes at bay. “This contains alpha hydroxy acids and salicylic acid that are great for acne-prone skin while also addressing skin texture and uneven pigmentation,” says Dr. Connie Yang, board-certified dermatologist and medical advisor for Dermstore.
• Ingredients: Acacia Senegal gum, hyaluronic acid, mixed fruit acids, quinoa
• Who it’s for: The cream has a clearing effect on acne-prone skin; it’s also ideal for mature skin types.
• Size: 1.7 oz

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Best for Sensitive Skin: Nécessaire The Neck Serum

• Why we love it: Packed with peptides, Nécessaire’s clinical-grade cream was designed to stimulate collagen production and address the signs of tech neck. “It’s formulated with high-quality ingredients like niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to calm inflammation, peptides to support collagen production, and hyaluronic acid to provide hydration,” Foad says—and the mixture works. “This serum improves skin elasticity and is a great combo for maintaining a smooth, toned neck at a lower price point,” she confirms.
• Ingredients: Multi-peptide, niacinamide, rose water
• Who it’s for: Dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, the gentle serum is soothing on sensitive skin.
• Size: 1.7 fl oz

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Best for Dry Skin: Alastin Restorative Neck Complex with TriHex Technology

• Why we love it: “Loaded with peptides and active ingredients, this product has a patented TriHex Technology which helps to clear out damaged collagen and elastin. This makes way for the stimulated production of new, healthy elastin and collagen,” Foad says. “It’s perfect for the neck, addressing fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, redness, and discoloration. Niacinamide and phytoene help hydrate and firm up the skin for a youthful look.” Flax seed extract, another key ingredient in the formula, boosts the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels to keep it hydrated.
• Ingredients: TriHex technology, phytoene & phytofluene, flax seed extract
• Who it’s for: In addition to dryness, the cream treats pigmentation, wrinkles, and redness.
• Size: 1.7 oz

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Best for Radiance: Tatcha Ageless Revitalizing Neck Cream

• Why we love it: Hydrating and smoothing, Tatcha’s silky cream is infused with antioxidants to boost the skin’s health. Plus, plenty of vitamin C turns up the notch on radiance. According to Dr. Howard Sobel, a clinical attending cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital, “This product is formulated with cornflower extract, which is a product that can reduce irritation, redness and puffiness. Additionally, it contains Vitamin C, which will also protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals in the air.”
• Ingredients: Vitamin C, lemon balm and artichoke leaf extracts, Hadasei-3, peony, Japanese cornflower
• Who it’s for: The dermatologist-tested cream is safe for all skin types.
• Size: 1.7 oz

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Dermatologists’ Pick: SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream

• Why we love it: Both board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tiffany point to SkinMedica’s neck cream as a standout in the category “It’s clinically proven to lift, firm, and reduce crepiness,” Engelman notes. Bowles is also a fan. “This is one of my favorites and a product I recommend daily,” she says. “Easily absorbed and non-greasy, this cream features shiitake mushroom extract for skin elasticity, rice protein to strengthen the skin barrier, and green microalgae extract for environmental protection and skin firmness. The paracress extract helps to reduce the appearance of platysmal bands.” Meanwhile, she adds, “hyaluronic acid ensures hydration, improving texture and softness.”
• Ingredients: Green microalgae, paracress extract, knotgrass extract and dunaliella salina
• Who it’s for: Suited for all skin types, the cream targets loss of firmness. “It improves elasticity on the neck,” Libby says.
• Size: 2 oz

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Best Night Cream: Révive Fermitif Neck Renewal Night Cream

• Why we love it: This clinically-tested night cream works overnight to repair damage. In eight weeks, it’s said to improve skin’s tone and texture, and make fine lines less visible around the neck—and Lindsay Holdorf, Dermstore’s resident esthetician, attests to its results. “Bio-renewal and bio-firming Peptides work overnight to firm and rejuvenate the neck area,” she says. “The rich texture delivers deep hydration while addressing crepiness and damage from UV and blue light, leaving your skin visibly smoother and more youthful by morning.”
• Ingredients: Bio-renewal peptide, bio-firming peptide, firming and brightening complex, skin defense antioxidants, vitamin E, lespedeza stem extract
• Who it’s for: Suited for all skin types, the decadent cream is particularly effective on aging skin.
• Size: 2.5 oz

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Best Splurge: Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Neck & Décolleté Cream

• Why we love it: “This dermatologist-formulated cream contains premium ingredients like purslane, a powerful antioxidant for calming inflammation and promoting skin health; glutamine, an amino acid supporting natural repair and improving firmness and elasticity; and hyaluronic acid for deep hydration,” Bowles notes. “It also includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.”
• Ingredients: Ceramides, purslane extract, lemon balm, prickly pear, mangosteen, kombucha and daisy extracts
• Who it’s for: The high-performance cream is well-suited for dry and aging skin.
• Size: 1.7 oz oz

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Best Retinol Pairing: Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide Cream

• Why we love it: According to Engelman, Medik8’s creamy treatment “visibly plumps, smooths, and firms the neck.” She adds: “I love this cream because of its ultra-rich texture, ceramide-packed formula, and how it pairs perfectly with retinal to sustain and restore moisture overnight and provide elevated results. It is formulated with a unique combination of ceramides and lipids as well as peptides, antioxidants, and N-Acetyl Glucosamine to hydrate and smooth the skin.”
• Ingredients: Multi-ceramide complex, iron hexapeptide, N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG)
• Who it’s for: Those who use a vitamin A serum in the evening can follow it up with the night cream and wake up to more supple, hydrated skin.
• Size: 1.7 oz

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Best Rapid Results: PCA Skin Perfecting Neck and Décolleté

• Why we love it: The corrective cream firms the skin while balancing redness and discoloration—and it works quickly. Results can be seen in one week. “This cream firms and brightens with peptides, niacinamide, and retinol, while ginger and citrus oils boost circulation and fade age spots,” says Holdorf. It feels nice, too. “Its silky, fast-absorbing formula keeps your skin smooth and hydrated without feeling greasy,” she adds.
• Ingredients: Tripeptides, grape cell extract, vitamin A, calcium hydroxymethionine
• Who it’s for: “The PCA Skin Perfecting Neck and Decollete is a great choice to improve the overall appearance of the neck and chest,” says Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale. “It is incredibly hydrating and also contains retinol, adenosine, niacinamide, and peptides—which boost collagen to reduce lines and wrinkles and help with hyperpigmentation.”
• Size: 3 oz

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Best for Uneven Skin Tone: Natura Bissé Inhibit Tensolift Neck Cream

• Why we love it: “This is a blend of micropeptides, collagen, and elastin that work together to firm and smooth the neck area,” says Holdorf. “Its luxurious texture absorbs quickly, delivering intense hydration and a more youthful, even tone, while also addressing the effects of ‘tech neck.’”
• Ingredients: Biomimetic complex, shitake extract, double hyaluronic acid, aquaxyl, niacinamide
• Who it’s for: Infused with niacinamide, which targets discoloration, the silky cream is ideal for anyone looking for a more even, luminous skin tone. It’s also recommended for those looking to diminish the appearance of vertical neck lines and horizontal lines, also known as Venus rings.
• Size: 1.7 oz

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Best Antioxidant Protection: La Mer The Neck and Décolleté Concentrate

• Why we love it: La Mer’s luxurious balm, which comes with a silky brush to sweep over the dėcolleté, promises to give the skin a lifted look and a firmer feel. Best used twice daily after cleansing and before moisturizer, the balm is infused with La Mer’s famous Miracle Broth—a mineral-and vitamin-packed elixir designed to soothe and repair the skin. Dr. Sobel notes that the antioxidant-heavy formulation helps protect the skin from damage. “This product has various forms of Vitamin C. Products rich in Vitamin C help protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals in the atmosphere,” he reiterates.
• Ingredients: Concentrated miracle broth, lime tea concentrate, the strengthening ferment (a blend of marine-based ingredients)
• Who it’s for: Those who consider skincare self-care (which it is!) will appreciate the ritualistic nature of the product’s application. The brand recommends taking a moment to sweep the sumptuous product on and then massage it in, using upwards-and-outwards motions with the hands.
• Size: 1.7 oz

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What is a neck cream?

“Neck cream is a moisturizer that is formulated to address skin concerns of the neck. These are usually crepiness, sagging, lines—including ‘tech neck’ lines—and wrinkles,” says Engelman.

What causes neck wrinkles?

The neck is notoriously quick to show signs of aging, and biology bears at least some of the blame. “Neck skin is thinner than facial skin and remains exposed to the same environmental stressors, like UV light and pollution,” says Libby. “Neck skin also has a lower oil gland composition than facial skin, and thus produces less of the necessary oils to keep the skin barrier well moisturized.”

Plus, the latest gadgets don’t help the quest for crease-free necks. “This generational focus on constant tech use has increased downward motions [of the neck,]” Libby says. “These downward motions physically cause creasing, which is not doing any favors for an area of the body that has thinner skin to begin with.”

Why does the skin around the neck and décolletage age more rapidly?

Not only is neck skin prone to aging in general; it’s likely to sag and wrinkle fast. “Because there is naturally less collagen in the neck due to the thinness of the dermis in that area, the neck is particularly prone to premature aging,” Engelman says.

“This is also an area that is highly exposed to the sun and the elements, which contributes to more rapid aging.” Then, of course, there’s human error. “Oftentimes, the neck is a place that people forget or neglect when applying serums, moisturizers, or sunscreen,” says Engelman. “I always remind my patients that skin doesn’t just stop below the jawline.” Lucky, a well-formulated neck cream can swoop in to save the area from neglect, and offer a range of benefits beyond that.

What to look for in a neck cream

According to Engelman, the best neck creams have a thick consistency and are made with ingredients that tackle signs of aging. “I recommend looking for neck creams that contain antioxidants, which combat damage from free radicals that contribute to premature aging,” she says. She favors creams with ceramides and peptides, which strengthen and repair the skin barrier; and retinol or phyto-retinol, which stimulate collagen and elastin production. Plus, the more moisturizing a cream is, the better. “Hyaluronic acid is a great hydrating ingredient that helps plump the skin and reduce the appearance of lines,” Engelman says.

The best way to apply neck cream

Neck creams can be used day and night, with an emphasis on SPF-infused creams in the morning. “Apply the cream in a gentle upwards motion to not tug downwards on the skin,” says Libby. “As mentioned, the skin of the neck is very thin so it’s important to treat this area with care,” Engelman cautions. “Tugging or pulling on the skin can exacerbate its lines and crepiness.”

Meet the experts

• Dr. Alexandra Bowles is a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati.
• Dr. Mona Foad, MD, MHS, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati.
• Lindsay Holdorf is Dermstore’s resident esthetician.
• Dr. Brooke Jeffy, MD is a Scottsdale-based, board-certified dermatologist and the founder of BTWN skincare.
• Rosalba Martone is the director of education at Perricone MD.
• Dr. Howard Sobel, MD is a clinical attending cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital.
• Dr. Connie Yang, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York and a medical advisor for Dermstore.